I don't remember where I was reading this but it described nienfo as being an esoteric practice because it was once something practiced by the esoteric schools of Buddhism.

However, can it be considered meditation as well? I mean, you are focusing on something afterall (The Buddha name). When I recite, there are instances where I feel that I somehow merge with the sound of Amitabha. After I open my eyes, I realize that Im back again. It's as if I've forgotten about my surroundings completely. It's also a type of visualization because when you think about it, Amitabha is not different than you since you also possess Buddha-nature, then you and Amitabha are not apart (thus making karmic connections with Amitabha). I visualize the qualities of the Buddha as qualities that are also available within me. If it wasnt for this path, I honestly dont know how I would learn the things I havent known about the dharma years ago from friends, forums, and from reciting. I feel like I am more mindful of my actions, I have a sense of gratitude for those that made my life possible (parents, teachers, the earth, etc), I am able to apply the Buddha's teachings with sincerity and realize that it's okay if I make mistakes...as long as I am diligent and put in my best effort to try. Even though I don't practice Jodo Shinshu, I also take some of the teachings of Shinran into practice (thus the gratitude part ^_^). I find that I am no longer doing things for myself, but rather, for the benefit of others and relating myself to others.

How has reciting Amitabha benefited you? What do you think?

Amituofo

Last edited by Sonrisa on Tue Feb 04, 2014 5:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I think some schools try not to present it as meditation so much as reliance because that's the best way to get the most out of the practice. In general, the practice chills me out quite a bit, warms my heart, helps me to just let go of everything, and gives me more patience. I know exactly what you mean when you feel you merge with the sound, also some times I'll get tunnel vision while practicing, and still other times I'll get a tingly feeling at the very core of me (kinda like "shivers down your spine" but deeper, not on the surface, and much more intense).

Meditation means the gradual process of training the mind to focus on a single object and to remain fixed upon the object without wavering. The constant practice of meditation helps one to develop a clam and concentrated mind and help to prepare one for the attainment of Wisdom and Enlightenment ultimately.

hence Nienfo focus the mind on the Buddha's name(Amitabha) by mean of vocal or silent recitation, and to remain fixed upon the Name without wavering.

although if you recite but the mind still waver, than there's of not much use, as the saying, 口念弥陀 心散乱, 喉咙喊破也徒然.

_/\_Amituofo!

"Enlightenment is to turn around and see MY own mistake, Other's mistake is also my mistake. Others are right even if they are wrong. i'm wrong even if i'm right. " - Master Chin Kung

I have learned that people have different ways of reciting. I like to use the wooden fish (木魚) because the strike is associated with the syllables. If not, then I use a mala and concentrate on the syllable: saying A-MI-TA-BHA...

I memorized the description in the sutras of the Pureland too, and picture that whenever Ifeel afraid or upset, it can really make life so peaceful if you're always seeing the Pureland - visualise your goal, for life as for death.

These are some of my favourites too, Amitabha coming down to greet you on your doorstep:

Nienfo is used lots of different ways by different sects and teachers...one thing you might want to look into, OP, is the "Obaku Zen" movement in Japan, which involved a combination of quiet meditation and nienfo ("nenbutsu" in Japanese) recitation. The Tendai school in Japan has also used nienfo in a in a wide variety of different ways down through the ages.

There is also the meditation on the Pure Land as taught in the Amitabha-related sutras, although this is not pure nienfo per se. I suppose it is more of a "visualization excercise" than Zen/Chan/"mindfulness" type meditation, but meditation it is.

in term of calmness, if you do felt calm, then that mean, the mind is not so wandering already.think the key is still to have trust in Amitabha himself for that life for the best benefit.

as for benefit in reciting while having wandering thoughts, indeed as Lotus Sutra stated:

Even if a person who is confuse or having wandering thoughts were to recite a word of 'Namo Buddha' within any temple or monastery, they had already attained Buddhahood in the Grand ceremony of Lotus sutra. (Chapter 23 : The Former Deeds of Medicine King Bodhisattva)若人散乱心， 入于塔庙中， 一称南无佛， 皆已成佛道。

_/\_Amituofo!

"Enlightenment is to turn around and see MY own mistake, Other's mistake is also my mistake. Others are right even if they are wrong. i'm wrong even if i'm right. " - Master Chin Kung

AFAIK it's the meaning & qualities of the Buddha that one is mindful of that is the important aspect and not the sounds of the words themselves. A lot of Japanese will use a shorthand version that's a little easier to chant, a lot of Chinese will drop the "Namo", I've seen/heard Vietnamese chanting "Nam mô A di đà Phật" (Nammo Azida Fut) in Chinese Dharma centers without being pressured to change pronunciation, some Tibetans use Amidewachen, and still others recite the full dharani (Pure Land Rebirth Dhāraṇī 往生淨土神咒 Wangsheng Jingtu Shenzhou) instead:"namo amitābhāya tathāgatāya tadyathāamṛtabhave amṛtasaṃbhaveamṛtavikrānte amṛtavikrāntagāminigagana kīrtīchare svāhā".

AFAIK it's the meaning & qualities of the Buddha that one is mindful of that is the important aspect and not the sounds of the words themselves. A lot of Japanese will use a shorthand version that's a little easier to chant, a lot of Chinese will drop the "Namo", I've seen/heard Vietnamese chanting "Nam mô A di đà Phật" (Nammo Azida Fut) in Chinese Dharma centers without being pressured to change pronunciation, some Tibetans use Amidewachen, and still others recite the full dharani (Pure Land Rebirth Dhāraṇī 往生淨土神咒 Wangsheng Jingtu Shenzhou) instead:"namo amitābhāya tathāgatāya tadyathāamṛtabhave amṛtasaṃbhaveamṛtavikrānte amṛtavikrāntagāminigagana kīrtīchare svāhā".

Thanks, I thought as much, just wasn't sure.

Btw, I also have the Pure Land Rebirth Dhāraṇī and occasionally recite it (I just did by reading it ).

Worthy, wise and virtuous: Who is energetic and not indolent, in misfortune unshaken, flawless in manner and intelligent, such one will honor gain. - Digha Nikaya III 273

I think it can be a very handy mediation to use in times when a more formal mediation isn't possible. I like to do zazen, but there is not always time. There is always time for Namu Amida Butsu though.

gordtheseeker wrote:I think it can be a very handy mediation to use in times when a more formal mediation isn't possible. I like to do zazen, but there is not always time. There is always time for Namu Amida Butsu though.